Despite articles to contrary, I support enhanced cycling facilities and better infrastructure for cyclists. That is why I have been very supportive of advancing the new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Newcomen Bride and the proposed cycle and pedestrian pathway along the Royal Canal.

Indeed, I have been continuing to follow up with City Council officials to ensure the planning permission approved by Councillors some months ago is implemented as quickly as possible. Important community engagement took along the proposed PHASE II of the project in the North Wall area took place last summer. Issues arising from that community consultation have been finalized and I believe Dublin City Council should now be proceeding to tender for the selection of a contractor.

I can now confirm that the City Council has now commenced the tender process for the selection of a contractor for PHASE II, which takes in the area between Sheriff Street Upper and the North Strand Road. It is anticipated that a Contractor will be selected by end October 2017. The Contractor procurement is a two stage process but it is expected that the selected Contractor will commence works on site in November 2017.

In terms of PHASE III, which relates to the stretch of the Royal Canal between the North Strand Road and the Phibsborough Road, tenders for the procurement of a Contractor will be issued in May 2017. From speaking with the officials, I understand the procurement process for this project will be shorter. It is anticipated that the Contractor will be appointed in August with the intention of commencing works on site in September 2017.